Finn Jones

After a six year stint on Game of Thrones as the tragically tortured Ser Loras the English actor Finn Jones finds himself in another fan-festive universe. Jones takes the lead as Danny Rand, heir to the Rand fortune and a obtains the power of the mystical Iron Fist. The cult Marvel franchise takes place in sprawling New York City and under the direction of Netflix has allowed Jones to develop and cultivate a unique leading hero. Anticipation for the series is high and plans for The Defenders show alongside Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Daredevil. With two back-to-back television series Finn Jones has been extremely busy, but manages to take some time to share his favorite places to visit, his method for unwinding, and how music influences his life.

You’ve had a lot of success with television series. From Hollyoaks to Game of Thrones, has there been a favorite role?

I've been lucky with my career so far, I'm very grateful. It's hard to choose a favorite role, it's like deciding what child you like best.

Each role has meant something special to me at the time of its development—it's almost as if I can chart my personal growth through the roles I have played.

Loras Tyrell was particularly special as it took place over 6 formative years of my life.

Ser Loras Tyrell from Game of Thrones is introduced as an auspicious character in the beginning of the series, but is beset with so much pain and agony in season 6. How did you prepare for such an imposing shift in character?

I spent a lot of time researching characters that have been marginalized by society, in particular I looked at the violent suppression and hatred towards the LGBT community in Russia. That was a real eye opener.

I read this incredible book, An Evil Cradling, it's visceral account of Brian Keenan, an Irish man captured hostage in Beirut who underwent torture in solitary confinement for five years. It really helped me understand the physical and mental torment of Loras situation in the last couple seasons.

Your Instagram is filled with some exotic locales. Is there a location that you can’t wait to revisit?

Buenos Aires always stands out for me. A lot of fire and beauty there. South America in particular is a place I would love to explore more, especially Columbia and Peru. Ibiza also holds a special place in my heart.

Your roles have certainly run a spectrum, how does playing a Marvel superhero rank in your career?

Playing the lead of a show is certainly a feat and career highlight in itself. I'm blessed to take on this responsibility. The fact that the character is a 'super hero' isn't a detail for me, what I'm interested in is bringing a complex and nuanced character to life, if anything the less 'super hero' I can make him, the more vulnerable and flawed, the better.

The fact that the character (Iron Fist) is a ‘super hero’ isn’t a detail for me, what I’m interested in is bringing a complex and nuanced character to life, if anything the less ‘super hero’ I can make him, the more vulnerable and flawed, the better.

How do you like the set change from Game of Thrones to a modern New York City?

I do miss the lush landscapes of Ireland and the beautiful crystal blue seas in Croatia. But New York is diverse and cosmopolitan—a culturally rich city. It's a joy to live and work here. There's an attitude here which is raw and unashamed. It brings out the realness of people and if you're on the right side of it, the city can be very rewarding.

Netflix has been great about growing Marvel brands like Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Jessica Jones. How much did you get to collaborate on the development of Danny Rand’s character?

Considering the character is part of a huge cinematic franchise, I have a lot of freedom in shaping Danny. I believe this comes down to Netflix's and Marvel Television's trust in the actors they employ. I'm grateful to be a part of something so huge and still have the feeling that creative character choices are still in my control. It's very much a creative ensemble where everyone's voices are heard and taken in to consideration. It's a collaboration between, show runners, directors, writers, producers and actors.

I tend not to think too far in to the future, I like to stay focused of what’s in front of me. However I do have this hunger for something more cerebral, an independent heady science fiction—or some kind of philosophical mind fuck.

In addition to Iron Fist Netflix is moving forward with The Defenders. You should be pretty busy. What is a way for you to unwind?

Oh yeah, it's been nonstop. I have been working solidly for almost a year now. It's a real test of endurance. The best way for me to let off steam and shed the weeks work is on the dance floor with friends. A space for me to dance is the to out the weight of it all; it helps me restore my balance.

Marvel is known for having an extensive universe. Are you excited about future crossover projects? Possibly feature films?

Feature films would be interesting. Although to be honest I think the real meat and potatoes are in television story telling right now. That's where the character intensifying and narrative driven stories are at. I think it would be way more fascinating for some of the movie super heroes to cross over in to the television-series world. I think with the ability of long running series you have the chance to really get inside the characters and inspect motivations and substance.

Music is the life force flowing through my veins. I rely on it in every aspect of my life. I don’t know what or where I would be without music. 

Many will argue that being a Marvel Character is a dream role. What is that script that you can’t wait to get across your desk?

I'm not sure yet, I tend not to think too far in to the future, I like to stay focused of what's in front of me. However I do have this hunger for something more cerebral, an independent heady science fiction—or some kind of philosophical mind fuck.

You are one of the few to be part of two successful franchises. Marvel and Game of Thrones are huge in culture, how do you deal with all the fans?

I'm a fan of the stories I’m telling. Whenever I come across people who are also in to the work, it's a friendly, positive exchange.

Music seems to be a huge interest and hobby of yours. What sort of genres are you into at the moment, and is there any new music coming out?

Music is the life force flowing through my veins. I rely on it in every aspect of my life. I don't know what or where I would be without music. Since being in NY I have reconnected with its disco and house roots. The force is strong. I have a music blog, 'Good Vibrations', which soon, when I have a break from acting, I'll be evolving in to a radio show.